Beyond dualism: an integrated framework of environmental policy compliance in China

Understanding the mechanisms underlying environmental policy compliance is essential for enhancing policy effectiveness. Existing approaches, which focus either on policy situations or behavioral characteristics, often fall short of providing a comprehensive explanation. This study introduces the concept of policy perception as an integrated framework that bridges these two research approaches. Using Guilin, China's waste separation policy as a case study, data were collected through field surveys and quasi-experiments to validate the integrated role of policy perception. A dedicated measurement scale was developed and applied using structural equation modeling to identify the pathways influencing compliance. The results revealed two mechanisms: a direct influence of policy perception on compliance and an indirect influence mediated by attitudes, subjective norms, and perceived behavioral control. This study contributes a novel theoretical framework and practical insights for improving environmental policy compliance.